Is the PS2 version of Monster Hunter any good?

[Flak Beard]

I recently tried out Monster Hunter Freedom 2 for the PSP, and it seems like a game I could really get into. Thing is though, I just don't like using the analog stick on the PSP for long periods of time (I have a PSP-1000). It's uncomfortable, so most of my PSP gaming is with titles the solely use the d-pad or emulation.

I noticed there was a PS2 version of Monster Hunter, so I'm considering it. The PSP ones seemed to be favored more though. Anyone here played both? How does it stack up to the PSP games?

[fingersmaloy]

I'm sorry, I don't have the answer to your question. But last night, just last night, man, I was talking to this Japanese guy, who's not even THAT into games, as it were, but he was telling me how I've got to play Monster Hunter on the PSP because it's amazing, and he was telling me that he's logged more than 1,700 hours of play on his.

1,700 hours. That's about two and a half straight months of Monster Hunter.

I asked him if there was a PS2 version. He said there was and that it's--I quote--"probably even better."

Maybe that gives you a little insight. But personally I think that guy's just nuts. I mean...he'd HAVE to be.

[J T]

I looked into buying this game at one point. I haven't played it myself, but it was immensely popular in Japan. People log in ridiculous amounts of hours into the thing, like the guy mentioned in the story above (though he seems REALLY obsessed).

The game seems to not do so hot with critics, but fans seem to rabidly love it.

The downside for the PS2 though is that the Capcom servers for Monster Hunter went down awhile back.

[Flak Beard]

The downside for the PS2 though is that the Capcom servers for Monster Hunter went down awhile back.

I'd probably be playing exclusively offline anyway. I'm not much for online gaming these days.

[(-_-)]

Monster Hunter is an awesome game. The psp Version does wear out your thumb and the use of the dpad for the camera is also a challenge to use. But that is what makes monster hunter fun. It requires skill and patience to play. The game would probably feel ruined if they added something like lock on which I've often heard people complain about who didn't like the game. I read the review on gamespot and laughed. I'm also thinking about picking up the ps2 version the next time I see it because I enjoyed freedom 2 so much. I have over 250 hours logged on the game playing with friends. It's probably the most fun multiplayer game that I can think of on the psp.

[fast]

Monster hunter on the ps2 has a very unique distinction of being the only console game that was emulated to the point that folks on the pc joined an active game on the PS2 servers before they went down.

Granted, yes it could be faked, but its such an odd thing to fake.

I have not played it personally, but all of my friends who have said that single player is ok, but multiplayer is the reason to play the game. It takes on a whole other level. Sadly my ps2 is broken right now, and I am not importing G for the Wii. The best description I have been given is that it is a fantasy Phantasy Star Online with a deep battle system.

[toredauei]

the only way to play monster hunter on any system currently is to import it right?

[toredauei]

the only way to play monster hunter on any system currently is to import it right?

wrong, did a quick search on play-asia... im not surprised that I didnt know there were other MH localizations as I just picked up a psp about a year and a half ago but damn it would've been nice if I had, my psp has been starving for something other that emulators.

[executioner]

Since I have about 300+ hours of monster hunter freedom 2 playtime I will give my thoughts. The thing is, this game is more enjoyable on multiplayer, that's were it really shines. My count should be around 200 hours playing in 4 player hunts.

A friend played the ps2 version when it came out and back then I thought the whole idea of the game was fantastic. He later lent it to another friend and one day I came to his house and he was trying to kill a rathalos (he's on the cover) with a bowgun and spent exactly 1 hour which was exactly the mission time trying to kill it over and over day after day and I think he didn't accomplish it. The game is more accesible with more hunters helping but a little harder for the solo players. You have to invest a lot of time getting stronger weapons and armor and that could be viewed as tedious work when you find out you have to kill the same monster over and over to carve the various parts you need to build an amor or weapon of choice. That's the beauty of it as there are so many of them its overwhelming at first.

I did play monster hunter freedom 1 on psp which is basically the japanese only release of monster hunter G for PS2 but just did about 5 hours and tried freedom 2 and never came back. Don't remember all of the improvements made from one game to the other, but don't think it would matter for someone new but for me just the things I know changed from 2 to 2nd G would make the game perfect.

What I can confirm is that the game is an analog breaker. Have a phat psp also and I busted 2 analogs from playing that game and my 6 friends who also play had the same problem because psp analogs are total crap. But they are real cheap on dealextreme and easy to install.

Since you are mostly focused on playing solo I won't go further into that aspect, but after playing a while really recommend you consider a setup with xlink kai and the upcoming psp freedom unite which is the one you will find people to play with as everybody who is not japanese is playing the japanese 2nd G with english patches and there are those like me who decided to wait for the us version.

Definetly give it a try.

[BananaXX]

I purchased this game back in late '07 before the servers went down, got to play 20 mintues online before I had to go to my grandma's for New Years. I haven't really played it until just a few days ago I started all over again and I've fallen in love with it, its an amazing title that I've neglected far to long. As for offline, I dont see anyone getting far doing quests by themselves as some of these monsters are hard enough by yourself at the 2* quest, though I could either be A). Terribly wrong, or B). I just suck lol. Either way you should really get this game.